The British Musical Biography

[E] O'CaroIan, or Carolan, Turlough, com-
poser and harp-player, born at Baile-Nusah,^
or Newton, West Meath, in 1670. He became
blind when about 16 years old, but married
and settled on a farm at Mosshill, J^eitrim,
where his extravagant manner of living
caused his ruin and he was forced to become
an itinerant harper. He travailed much
about the country, and became widely known
as a minstrel and boon companion. He died
at Alderford House, March 25, 1738. He was
a poet and composed a large number of
popular Irish tunes, such as " Bumper Squire
Jones," " Bridget Cruise," " Liquor of Life,"
and " Savourna Deelish." His musical works
were published in 1747, and again about 1785
as " A Favourite Collection of the so much
admired old Irish tunes, the original and
genuine compositions of Carolan, the cele-
brated Irish bard. Set for tlie harpsichord,
violin and German flute," Dublin, John Lee,
n.d. ; but it is understood that onl}- a very
small number of his tunas have bean pre-
served or identified. Specimens of his works
will be found in Hardiman, Bunting, and
Walker.

entry id: 301-R-38